In line with the Ministry of Education’s EdTech Masterplan 2030, the Founder of Spark Education discussed with Lianhe Zaobao how local online platforms are riding the wave of AI and gamified learning to transform education.
In this two-part series, we’ll bring you key insights from Zaobao’s article “Creating Personalised Online Learning through the Integration of Teachers, Students, and Technology”. Stay tuned for an enlightening discussion on innovative education!
What’s the fun of an online class?
Meet Zhang Duo’er, a 10-year-old enroled in Spark’s online programme for four years. Twice a week, she interacts with her five classmates and teacher in a small-group online classroom. For over six months, they have not met in person as some live in Australia or Hong Kong.
Does this water down the fun of an online class? Not at all. Duo’er still likes her Spark classes over the traditional ones.
At Spark, teachers use animated content to explain concepts, link topics, and practice exercises are often like games. Students are invited to share their problem-solving approaches like little teachers—an interactive session Duo’er enjoys to ensure she is on the ball.
They also get a star for each right answer, which they can use to exchange for prizes like stuffed toys. These gamified elements are what make learning fun and memerable for them.
This classroom is from Spark Education, founded by Mark Luo from National University of Singapore. Based in Singapore, Spark has reached 650,000 students in over 100 countries. It offers courses in logical thinking, mathematics, coding, languages, and more.
How does technology bring teaching to a new level?
Regular school’s teacher-centric model streams students by abilities. However, Spark sets its sights on a student-centric classroom where everyone works together to learn better.
Spark teachers assess students along with system evaluations to tailor each student’s number and difficulty of problems. As a result, even in a class of six, each student may receive a unique set of questions.
We want to give every child the chance to enjoy learning regardless of their individual abilities. We embrace differentiated teaching to meet the unique needs of each young mind.”
Mark Luo, Founder and CEO of Spark Education
Mark explains that mathematics is a complex subject; some students may struggle with spatial reasoning but excel in calculations. Personalised classwork used to hit a roadblock in regular classrooms but technology breaks the barriers. It helps weaker students and challenges stronger ones to keep all motivated.
He envisions an inclusive educational platform that is equal for everyone despite differences in ability. Modern AI and digital technology has enabled Spark to offer such personalised teaching. Cost-effective. And, scalable.
Up Next: How is edtech transforming education in Singapore?
In the next part of our series, we’ll hear from Mark and Dr. Jason Tan Eng Chye’s, an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Education. It will be about the revolution in tech-driven classes, the irreplaceable role of teachers, and how technology boosts learning efficiency.
Stay tuned for more in our series on bite-sized edtech insights!
Check out the gamified learning in Spark Math online classes with a FREE trial class today. Your child can look forward to animated explanations and highly interactive lessons that help them master math heuristics.
